Life of 10 drivers for web taxi-hailing services

Xiong Dehua poses with his car. [Photo/news.china.com.cn]

Xiong Dehua is about to become 30. It has been almost eight years since he came to find a job in Shanghai from his hometown in Chongqing. He worked as a builder and a parcel courier, both strenuous jobs. He entered Didi Express service half a year ago. Although the job still takes much effort, he eventually has started to feel settled, saying that it is the most stable and highest paying job he and his townspeople can find.

His residence in Shanghai is an old house by the bund, which he rents without a lot money. Xiong hopes that his son can enjoy a decent education in the city so that the boy won't have to live the father's life.

Xiong and his son at a rented room. [Photo/news.china.com.cn]

Xiong and his wife both work. Their son usually stays with the grandparents. Xiong can only rest one or two days a month, trying to make more money. He said his biggest expectation is to buy a better car to be qualified for Didi Private Car service.

Xiong signs a contract with a car rental company which provides his current vehicle for Didi Express. [Photo/news.china.com.cn]

He wishes to see a more detailed policy for internet-based taxi-hailing service, because in that way he could put off worries and work for fun. He said that his money is limited so that each step he takes affects the family's livelihood and happiness.

The rental costs him 8,000 yuan ($1,199), besides 500-600 yuan ($75-90) for parking each month. The high cost gives him the resolution to buy a decent car and stay in this profession.